The song was released as the album's third and final single in November 1999 in the United States following "No Scrubs" and "Unpretty". Though it managed to enter the top 40 in Denmark, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, it was widely considered a minor success compared to previous hits "No Scrubs" and "Unpretty", peaking at number 51 on the Billboard Hot 100. An accompanying music video, directed by Bille Woodruff, was filmed, but was only aired in foreign countries. "Dear Lie" was not featured on Now and Forever: The Hits (2003), Crazy Sexy Hits: The Very Best of TLC (2007) or "20" (2013). It was, however, included on We Love TLC (2009).